As the days lengthen, the sun shines and school bells ring one final time before the summer break, our kids eagerly anticipate the freedom and adventure that lie ahead. And it's vital that they take full advantage of this! But as parents, we also don't want to forget about what is known as the "summer slide" – a decline in academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. Fear not, for there is a simple yet powerful antidote: summer reading! Here are a few reminders about the importance of summer reading for kids and how it serves as a shield against the summer slide - as well as a source of much enjoyment.
Combatting the Summer Slide: Research has shown that during the summer break, children can lose up to two months of academic progress in reading and maths. In worst case scenarios, this decline can, over time, hinder academic success. However, simply engaging in regular reading over the summer months can mitigate the effects of the summer slide, helping children maintain and even improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency skills.
Nurturing a Lifelong Love for Learning: Summer reading is not just about preventing academic regression; it's about nurturing a lifelong love for learning and fostering a love of reading. By encouraging children to explore a diverse range of books that cater to their interests and passions, we can ignite the spark of curiosity and creativity that fuels intellectual growth and academic success. It doesn't matter what they're reading - whether it's thrilling adventures, graphic novels, magazines or non fiction about the wonders of science and history, summer reading opens doors to enriching experiences.
Building Confidence and Independence: Summer reading also provides children with the opportunity to practice and refine their reading skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. By choosing books that match their reading level and interests, children can build confidence and independence as readers at their own pace.
Fostering Imagination and Creativity: Summer reading sparks the imagination and cultivates creativity, inviting children to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. By engaging with characters, settings, and themes that resonate with their interests and aspirations, children develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. They might even find new activities to complement what they are reading, from arts and crafts to a nature scavenger hunt.
Creating Lasting Memories and Bonds: Crucially, summer reading creates lasting bonds between children and their caregivers. Whether snuggled up together on a lazy afternoon, or sharing a family read aloud each evening, reading becomes a cherished ritual and a quality time that strengthens relationships and fosters a love for books. So it's important to continue to read together and to children well beyond the stage when they become independent learners.
Our blog offers lots of book recommendations for kids of all ages, from graphic novels to non-fiction and picture books, and you can also browse our selection of titles and book boxes which come with tailor made activites to keep kids really engaged and occupied!
